Top structure for cookstoves



Sept. 30, 1941. c.- E. PARKER TOPA STRUCTURE Fon cooKsTovEs Filduay 11,1939 s sheets-sheet 1 fnl/elder i ClaudeEPar/r Sept. 30, 1941. c. E.PARKER TOP STRUCTURE VFOR cooKsTOvEs Filed May l1, 1959 3 Sheets-Sheet2x 'Sept 30, 1941.` c. ELPARKR' 1 2,257,396'

To? STRUCTURE FOR `Cooxs'rovvsl Y Filed May 1l,` 1939 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 y-OZgydeE'Par/ter am fg@ .uw

Patented Sept. 30, 1941 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ProductsCorporation, Chicago, Ill.,

I tion of Illinois l Corm- Application May 11, 1939, Serial No. 272,984I 18 Claims.

'I'he invention pertains to gas cookstoves and has particular referenceto a new and improved cooking top for such stoves.

The primary object of the invention is the production of a new andimproved cooking top for gas cookstoves,` which partakes of thecharacteristics of both the open and closed types in that iteii'ectually conceals the burners, mixing tubes and other unsightlyparts as in the case of tops of the closed type, and at the same timeprovides for the effectual application of the heat of the burnersdirectly to cooking utensils supported upon the top, as in tops of theopen type.

A further object of the invention is to provide in combination with amain cooking top panel having a plurality of openings therein, auxiliarytop units substantially closing the openings in the top panel so as tocooperate therewith in the formation of a substantially vclosed topwall, and fashioned to provide vertically shallow chambers beneath thecooking utensils adapted to receive and confine the flames of theunderlying burners close to the utensil bottoms so as to utilize to theutmost advantage the heat of the burners.

An'other object is to provide a new and improved cooking top which isespecially constructed to minimize loss of heat by conduction orradiation whereby to intensify the application of the heat ofthe burnersto the cooking utensils.

Still another object isto provide a combination burner cover and heatintensifying unit `which harmonizes in appearance with the top panel,which is capable of withstanding without deterioration the intense heatof the burner flames, and which causes any food deposits on the top faceof theunit to be burned so completely as to permit easy removal andmaintenance of the top in a sanitary and attractive condition.

A further object is to provide .an improved burner and a heatintensifying cover unit therefor adapted `to effect a more uniformdistribution of heat to the entire area of the bottom of a cookingutensil.

Another object of the invention is to provide a burner structureembodying a novel arrangement for supplying secondary air to both theinner and outer sides of flames issuing from generally peripherallydisposed ports in the burner head and of such character as to retainrelatively constant conditions of combustion, irrespective of thepresence or absence of a utensil above the structure.

Still another object is to provide a burner structure embodying an opencenter burner head and an overlying superstructure including utensil(cl. 12s-39) i supporting fingers locatedlintermediate spaced groups offuel emission apertures in the burner periphery so as to be out of thedirect path of names from the latter, and so correlated with the burneras to direct and control an updraft of secondary airA rising through theopen center of the burner, and feed it to flames, the ilow of such airbeneath the fingers also serving to cool and thereby protect the same.

The objects of the invention above set forth, together with other andancillary advantages are attained by the construction and arrangementshown by way of illustration in the accompanying drawings forming parthereof, in which:

Figure 1 is a fragmentary plan View showing one end portion of a topstructure embodying the invention.

Fig. 271s a similar view showing one of the burner openings with theauxiliary top unit removed and exposing the underlying burner.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary longitudinal section taken substantially in theplane of line 3--3 of Fig. 1, the section being taken on a larger scale.

V Fig. 4 is a fragmentary plan view showing one of the auxiliary topunits on a larger scale than shown in Fig. 1, such unit being inposition in an opening in the top panel.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken approximately inthe plane of line 5-5 of Fig. 4 and illustrating the manner ofsupporting the burner and auxiliary top unit.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary edge elevational view of the structure shown inFig. 5 but showing a supporting lug on the top panel in section.

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary plan view of one of the mixing tubes andillustrating the construction of the inner end portion thereof.

Fig. 8 is a view in edge elevation of one of the auxiliary top units andthe burner supported in position in the main top panel, the latter beingshown in section.

Fig. 9 is a transverse sectional view through the auxiliary top unit andburner taken approximately in the plane of line 9 9 of Fig. 4 andshowing the formation of a chamber between the top unit and the bottomof a utensil Within which the burner flames are confined.

Fig. 10 is a perspectivce view of Vmetallic carrier for the ceramicelements composing the auxiliary top unit.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of one of the burners.

Figs. 12 and 13 are perspective views showing respectively two forms ofceramic elements comprlsing the auxiliary top unit.

'I'he improved cooldng top comprises.' in general, a main top panel -IIIhaving a plurality of openings II therein disposed ab'ove .burners I2,and auxiliary top units I3 substantially lling the openings II butproviding for the passage thereingof vitric material has been found tobe particularly effective. Accordingly in the preferredl Y embodimentofthe invention each auxiliary top unit comprises a ceramic hearth-likestructure through of the burner llames for direct application to thebottoms ofthe utensils. In the pres-- ent instance one end of a cookingtop is"shown.

supported substantially in the plane of the top panel II! andcooperating with' an overlying cooking utensil to define a verticallyshallow combus- I vtion chamber c. For convenience in manufacturhavingfront and rear burners with auxiliary top 5 units of 'a diametercorresponding to that-of cooking utensils of good size. The preferredrelative proportioning of the parts is indicated by the representationin Fig. 9 of a utensil'a of'a diameter of 'eight inches. Y-

The burners I2 are ofthe Bunsen type, receiving-a supply of mixed airandfg'as from a suit-.- able source.

ingfthe ceramic structure or hearth is composed' of a pluralityofseparate sections coacting to provide a peripheral shell I3 and acentral cap I3,

the various elements being mounted 'upon'a metallic carrier so as toconstitute a unitary assem- Herein the burnershave supply pipes ormixing tubes I4 and II each permanently connected at itsinner end to thebottom of a hollow burner head and provided at its outer end with an airmixing housing IB equipped with adjustablevalves or shutters I6 and-lreceiving a supply of fuel gas under valve. control in any. suitable orpreferred way.

in form A(Figs. 2 and 11). it is shaped'to radialribs. I3c projecting'upwardlyfrom the top InV the presenti lnstance eachburner head isgenerally Vtriangular provide three arms II with a` central portionhavi-l ing three air openings I8.` The arms provide three arcuateoutwardly facing 'sides drilled to provide the principal outlet for thegaseous mixture. comprising three horizontalirows offuel discharge portsI9. The auxiliary top units I3 are especially constructedfor theperformance of twoimportant functions', of wlfiichv the first is `toprovide indivvidual covers cooperating with'the main top panel I0 in theformation olla substantially closed cooking top, and the second tointensifythe application of the heat o f the burners tn the cockingutensils. Accordingly, van important featurel in the constructionof eachauxiliary topunitisA the provision of va wall structure aperturedj-forthe passage of the burner flames and havingv a smooth and durable topfacing which har'monizs in appearance with'. the top panel, isl substantially impervious to the absorption of liquids. and is capable ofresisting effectively stains and discoloration. 'The apertured wallstructure consti-f'.

tutes in effect 4a hearthbetween whichY and the bottom of an Voverlyingutensil. is defined .a vertlcally shallow combustion chamber serving toconfine' the lburner flames for the effectual' applicaoverlying' theburner. -j -The ceramic elements are especially conbly adapted for easyremoval from the maintop panel whendesired as for purposes of cleaning.The units- I3 are preferably circular in form andare' suitably supportedinthe .openings II v of corresponding shape in the` main top panel.

VTo provide a multiplicity of heat radiating elements the peripheralshell I3v is formed with an upper ilu-ted surface forming in thisinstance face of the shell andarranged s o as to be lapped by theundersides of the flames issuingY from the burnersoas to be renderedincandescent,` as hereinafterfmore-fully described. As shown in Fig.v9,-the innerend portions of the ribs l3 are made extremely low and onlythe outerv end por-v tions are of suilicien't' height to project intothe flames. Asbest seen in Figs.v 3 and 4, each ofthe units lillscomposed of `six sections in the form of separate ceramic elementsincluding -three simif lar peripheral segments 20 of generallyelliptical' form andV three relatively narrow radial arms 2l.

Y The latter are respectively interposed between the segments 20 andtheir outerend portions coact with the segments to formja continuousperlmetric zone constituting the outer peripheral The inner end portionsof the arms cooperate to form the centra'lspider-like cap ISP structed so as to be capable of withstanding vheat tion of the heat thereof tothe'.uten sil. Accordingly, 'it is of vital consequence that the topfac--A ing be adapted to witl 1stand'without deterioration theintenseheat of the flames thus conlined `between. such top facing andthe bottom of the utensil. j -Another important feature is vtlheprovision beneath th'etop facing of a Iayer'of 4heat-insulating materialserving tol reduce-to a minimumthe loss of heat'by dissipation to theand impact shocks. To this end each element -comprises a` body or base22 of tough relatively porous refractorymaterial of lowheatlco'nduc- YVtivity, and a thin coating or top facing 22'l of-'Q 4vitric materialfused onto the base at a 'high tem- -z 'perature as, for example, 2600F.v Thebase material lendsstrengthand durability to the structure, andthe vitric coating provides a glazed .sur-

-face which is impervious to liquid an'awnl not stain -or becomediscolored in use. Moreover i-t ishighly resistant to wearor abrasion,is capable. ,ofbelng cleaned easily,fand constitutes an effec tive 'heatreflecting surface.'

associated partsv of the stove structure and ton.

the surrounding atrmisphere- Finally each unit is constructed to providea multiplicity 'ofradiating elements adapted to be heated by .thevburner llames to al state of'incandescence and serving.

topromote complete combustion as welles to augment the application ofheat. to an overlying utensil.

In the AYprovision of a wallor hearth having a top facing with anunderlyinglayer of insulating material for the purposes above set forth,a ceramic structure comprising a' base or b odyof rel-'g atively porousrefractory material and a top fao- The metallic carrierforsupporting-the ceramic elements!!! and12| ln assembled relationcomprises in" the present' embodiment (see Fig. 10) l a thlnnarrowperipheral ring 23 having inwardly projecting portions 24 apertured asAat 25 for light'- ness in construction and coacting' with the ring tosupport the-,peripheral segments 20. -Midway l between the aperturedportions 24 are narrow. radial fingers 26 (Fig. 3)` underlying'andsupporting ther'adial ceramic arms 2 I. f The means'forsuppor-ting theutensils are preferablymade as apart of the auxiliary top unit I3,although it will be understood that if desired,

` separatel utensil supports may` be provided in' aclcordance with Wellknown practice. As herein shown, the utensil supports arecomposed inpart of ribs 21 formed integral with the radial-ceramic arms ZIMat theinner 'en ds thereof, and in'part by metallic arms 22 cast integral withthe carrier ring and providing extensions of the ribs 2 1. The locationof the utensil supports 2l above the ceramic arms 2I is advantageous inthat the supports are not impinged upon by the burner flames andiqterpose no obstruction in the paths of the names as in conventionalstoves.

Each of the utensil-supporting arms 2| (Figs.

3, 4 and 10) is formed on the upper end of an upright standard 2l andone end thereof overlies the-outer portion of one of the radial ceramicarms 2| so as to vform a continuation of the rib 21. The other end'ofthe arm projects radially outward in overlying relationto the top panelAso Fig. 9, theceramic arms 2| are grooved on their undersides toreceive upwardly oifset inner end portions of the fingers 25, the outerends of the fingers being received in recesses 2| formed in theunderside oi the ring 2l. The ceramic arms are heid against outwardmovement by the standards2l and against inward movement by the offsetshoulder portions of the fingers.

In order that the segmental -or peripheral elements 2l may also besecured in position by the fingers 25. the ends of these elements 2|)are rabbeted as at 3|* (Fig. 8) for interlocking engagement with theoppositev sides of the radial arms 2|. Also the carrier ring 23 isprovided with `a peripheral flange 34 engaging in grooves 35 in theouter peripheral edge portions of the segments 22 to retain the latteragainst radial movement in an outwarddirection. Movement in the oppositeor Vinward direction is prevented by abutment with the sides of the arms2| at the outer ends of the latter.

It will be seen that the metallic carrier for the ceramic-structurewholly underlies theV same so that no metal parts of the unit I2, exceptfor the supports 22, are exposed. To receive the standards 25 the endsof the ceramic arms 2| are suitably` notched.

As `above set forth the auxiliary top units I3 are apertured for thepassage of the flames of the underlying burners. Preferably` theopenings provided for-this purpose are so correlated with the burnerproper that the latter is substantially concealed from view, with theburner outlet ports I! disposed in underlyingrelation to the ceramicarms 2| so that the latter guard the ports against the entry ofspilt-over liquids. Also the burner ports are so arranged relative tothe opening in the structure that the flames issuing from the burnerproject laterally outward in close proximity to the peripheral shell ofthe cover. Preferably the discharge ends of the ports I5 are disposed ina horizontal plane above the inner edges of the segments 20 (see Fig. 9)so that ames f issuing from the ports project outwardly above the topfaces of the segments.

In the present embodiment each auxiliary top unit I3 has three generallyarcuate slot-s 3l (Fig. 4) each defined by the inner edge of one of theceramic segments 2l and by the lower side edges of two of the radialceramic arms 2|. As best seen in Fig. 9, the top faces of the segments2D slope gently downward and inward toward the burner, and the radialarms are positioned horizontally with their top faces substantially inthe plane of the outer edge portions of the segments,

with the side faces of the-arms well above the inner edges of thesegments. By this arrangement the radial arms, together with the utensilsupports 21, 2l, constitute division members dividing the combustionchamber c into three generally elliptical spaces having inlet openingsat their inner edges formed by the slots 22 and outlet passages 25defined by the outer portions of the segments and by the bottom of anoverlying utensil. The outlet passages are preferably restricted attheir outer ends by arcuate rims 4l shaped to deflect the discharginggases upwardly toward the utensil bottom. Also it will be seen fromFigs. 4 and 9 that the outlet passages 25 are relatively longer andnarrower than the inlet openings formed by the ame slots 35.

In addition to the openings provided by the slots 25, each of theauxiliary top units has a central opening 4I defined by the inner` endsof the radial arms 2|. Through this opening flames `project from threeradial rows of port holes 42 centrally of the burner, orfrom a centralsimmering burner (notshown) which may be provided if desired. 'I'he endsof the radial arms are spaced a short distance apart to form radialpassages 43 establishing communication between the central opening 4|and the arcuate flame slot 3l, 'the burner being provided with radialgas discharge slots 44 positioned centrally of the passages 42 for thepurpose of conducting a lighting flame between the outer and inneroutlet ports I5 and 42.

In the present instance both the auxiliary top .units and the burners I2are independently supported by the main top panel I0 through the mediumof a plurality of lugs projecting inwardly from a flange 46 dependingfrom the top panel. The ends of the burner arms are reduced in width toform tongues 41 resting upon a pair of circumferentially spaced lugs andto insure proper positioning of the burner, the lugs 45 are notched to.receive the outer ends of ribs 48 formed on the undersides of the burnerarms. A portion of the burner head weight is also carried by themanifold at the front of the` stove (Fig. l) and to which the burnerheads are connected by suitable supply conduits as heretofore described.

The auxiliary top unit also rests upon the lugs I 45 and additionallyupon an intermedi-ate lug 45'. The lugs 45 are made of a width adjacentthe flange 46 somewhat greater than the tongues 41 so as to be engaged-by the bottom of the carrier ring 2l at opposite sides of the recesses3|, the latter being of a depth adapted' to receive the tongues 41. 1fdesired, the inner ends of the radial ceramic arms 2| may be supportedby engagement of the fingers 26 with upstanding lugs 48* cut integralwith the burner. In addition to the lugs 45 and 45e-a pluralit of lugs42` are provided on the flange 46. Normally these lugs 48 are notengaged by the carrier ring but merely underlie the same with aslightclearance between them so as to be engaged only in the event ofunusual pressure or weight on the auxiliary top unit at one side of itscenter. The unit-supporting lug 45l positioned midway between thenotched lugs 45 (Fig. 2) terminates short of the corresponding burnerarm to facilitate the assembly of the parts.

Referringnow to Figs. 2, 3 and 7 the construction of the burner I2 inits connection with the supply pipe I4` will be understood. The burneris preferably designed to effect a uniform distribution of the heat ofthe burner to the cooking 4 g utensil. As already indicated it is ofgenerally triangularform having three radial arms I1 providing three"external sides in which are drilled the three rows of ports I9. By`making the sides arcuate in form, thecentral ones of each row of portsI9 are positioned closer to the center ofthe burner. `As shown each rowof ports I9 extends throughout the entire length of an arcuf fate sideof the burner to form a large burner, for

example, 12,000 B. t. u. capacity. In the case of burners of lower ratedcapacity, say 9,000 B. t. u. s, a few of the lports at each end of therow may be omitted. Thus the burners are of identical' construction ineither casev excepting only that the number o1' port holes is varied.

Each hollow burner arm I1 -communicatesy at its innerl end with one ofthreev ,chambers 59 respectively registering at their undersides withthree intercommunicating chambers 5I Aformed in the head 52 at the innerend of the mixing tube I4 or Il'.' the two heads being secured togetherby means of screws 59. Between the chambers 50 ofthe burner, the centralair openings I8 well as to the intensity of its application is theradiant character of the auxiliary top unit obtained by the provision ofthe radiating elements .disposed closely adjacent the high temperaturezone `immediately beneath the utensil bottom. As hereinbefore indicatedthese elements take the form of radial ribsl I 3 whichare closely spacedand project upwardly from the top faces of the segmental elements 20 adistance such that their'upper edges are ,disposed directly in the areformed, which openings communicate at` l their lower endswith a centralstar-shaped opening 54 in the head 52of the mixing tube. Through the`central airpassage thus formed, secondary air is supplied to the threeradial rows of port sions .S5-from each ,of the chambers 50:01 theburner head, the port holes being in each-instance inclined upwardly andinwardly so as to path ofthe tip portions of the flames issuing from theburner but out of 'the paths of the central oxidizing .cones of theflames. In addition vthe inner ends of the ceramic arms are shaped toprovide radiating eiementsadapted to be heatholes 42. The latter aredrilled in radial extendirect flames upwardly toward the centerpf aff"utensil supported above the burner.

In addition topro'viding for the passage of the burner flames, thearcuate slots 38 constitute anA inlet for secndary'airto the combustionchamber c.. Thus it will be seen that air is permitted to .pass-upwardlyaround the burner providing an ample supply or oxygen for the combustionof the gases issuing from the ports I9 and supplying ed bytheamesissuing from the center lport holes :42 and the radial slots 44';and the side faces of the arms 2| may-be flut-ed as shown at 22a inFig.4.

It will be observed that since the ribs project upwardlyl into theflames, the lower sides thereof are k'more efl'ectually utilized. Thusthe lower portions of fthe ribs define between. them channels for thepassage'of gases of a somewhat lower temperature than theflames-possibly including a' film of secondary a'ir for the undersidesof the ames, whereas -thefupper portions of the ribs are .disposed indirect contact with the hottest parts of the flames. As a result, inthe-operation particularly the'unders'ides of the ames. The

secondary air supply for vthe centralv ports l2 I is received throughthe passages. formed by the openings I8 and 54 centrally of the burnerstructure. Moreover-the arrangement is such that such central supply of.secondary air may pass radially 'outward along: the upper sides ofthe jburner arms so as toi'eed oxygen t0 the. upper sides of the flames'issuing from the ports I9. In this connection it will .be observed thateach of the ceramic armsis spaced above the corresponding burner arm,thus permitting the now of air radially outward above the port holes.`I9.

. As shownin Fig. 9, the port holesl9, constituting the principalgasdischargeoutlet for the burner, are .drilled generally horizontally butare I 1 inclined` upwardly at asmall angle, that herein .shown beingAapproximately'SO degrees from the horizontal. .-Alsothe ports aredisposed substan- .tially in the -plane of-or slightly above the inneredges of .the ceramic segments 29. Thus flames issuing from 'the burnerproject outwardly and somewhat upwardly immediately. above theface oftheceramic elements 20 which also slope upwardly and atan anglesubstantially corresponding to that ofthe flames.v Due to vthe generallyl'horizontal projection ofI the iiames, the burner of the burner,theupper edge-of lthese radiating ribs 53 becomesincandescent, promotingcombustion of 'the gases. and .transmitting the heat of the undersidesof the flames to :the utensil by As is well known the base' portions ofthe flames are relatively cool, and it will be observed that by theconstruction provided, only such base portions are unconiined at theirlower sides. In this connection, it is to be observed that due to thesubstantial llength of the slots 38 they may be 'f made relativelynarrow, with the inner edge of ports` may be positioned closer to thebottom of the utensil as determined by the plane of the utensil seatingisu'rfaces, and throughout the major part'oi their length the flames areclosely confined between the opposed surfacesforming ofthe unit. thecombustion chamber. Thus the' hottest portions of the flames, namely,the tip portions ofv the segments `2li closelyspaced from the sides ofthe burner. Thus it is that the intense heat of the burner flames isconned in the combustion "chamber immediately adjacent the'point oftapplication of.' heat tothe utensil, and'instead oi being reflecteddownwardly by the utensil into the burner box, it is reflected by theceramic elements 20 upwardlyand somewhat inwardlyv due to the slopingsurfaces of the elements. The central area oi the utensil is, of course,heated directly by the flames issuing-from the central port holes 42 andradial slots, or'bythe simmering burner ii.' such be employed.H

To provide for the passage of cool air vbetween each of the auxiliarytop units andthe top panel, they are made of a diameter somewhat lessthan the openings I I. Thus an annular slot 56- (Figs.

4 and 8) is formed between the depending flange 46 of the top panel andthe lout'er'vertic'al edge This provision for the passage of cool air.has been found to be of substantial importance in connection with therelatively low heat conductivity of the ceramic elements. Thus eventhough the top surface of the cover structure is heated to an extremelyhigh temperature the outer vertical side edge of the cover structure ismaintained relatively cool so that any food spillage may be easilyremoved.

It will be observed that the auxiliary top units II cooperate with themain top panel Il to provide in effect a closed cooking top having aplurality of circular depressions or recesses for the reception andclose connement of the flames projected outwardly beneath the utensilbottoms; and with the top umts composed of ceramicmaterial as in thepresent preferred embodiment of the invention, with top faces oi' asmooth hard, vitric material, and a relative porous base of low `heatconductivity, the heat of the burner is utilized to the fullest possibleextent through reilectionand radiation to the utensil. In thisconnectionit will be observed that with the llames projecting outwardlyinto the vertically shallow combustion spaces, the upper sides of thenames lap the utensil bottom while the undersides thereof follow closelythe top faces of the segmental elements 20. Although the top facesrofthe elements are heated to a high temperature, this heat is eiectuallyutilized by reiiection with a minimum of loss by conduction.

In addition to the improved heat reflecting character of the elementsobtained bythe use of `a hard vitric coating, the latter performs pother important functions contributing substantially to the productionof a commercially successful top structure. Thus the ability to maintainan attractive appearance is assured due to the fact that the hard vitriccoating is substantially impervious to theabsorption of liquids,effectually resists stains, and is capable of easy cleaning. In thislatter connection it has been found that the intense heat to which thetop faces of the ceramic elements are subjected in the operation of theburner is an important factor in keeping the structure clean. In factextensive tests have shown that any food products depositedl on thesmooth hard top` facing of the cover, as` a result of spillage orboiling over of the contents of a utensil, are so thoroughly burned `orconsumed that upon cooling, it is possible to remove the residue or ashfrom the elementsmerely by a slight blast of air or by means of a dampcloth. Onthe other hand, because of the low heat conductivity of theceramic structure, coupled with the cooling effect of the air `currentpassing upward around the cover, theouter peripheral side wall of thecover is maintained at a suiilciently low temperature that any foodproducts deposited thereon will not bake on and can be readily removed.

Finally the construction and arrangement provided operates to limitthesupply of secondary air substantially to that required for completecombustion and to prevent the inflow of air inwardly `beneath theutensil, thereby minimizing loss in efiiciency due to the admission ofan excessive amount of cool air. Thisresult is accomplished lbyrestricting the outlet passages 39 formed between the utensil bottom andthe peripheral shell. Also the ribs 53 projecting upwardly` into thevertically shallow combustion chamber and into the outer passages `39serve to retard the escape of the gases of combustion outwardly. VSincethese ribs project radially inward from the outer edge of the coverstructure they coact with utensils of varying sizes in providing arestricted, outlet passage.

'part of this present application.

Secondary air is thus supplied to the combustion chamber solely throughthe name slots Il and the central openings 4l communicating with thecentral openings Il of the burner.v Moreover such a restricted outletpassage has the effect of retarding the escape of the gases so that thelatter are confined in the combustioncham- 1:biexaxri'beneath theutensil for a longer period of This application is a continuation-impartof` my co-pending application Serial No. 235,961, filed October 20,1938.

The present application was also copending with my still earlier-filed,and now abandoned,

application, Serial No. 84,880, filed June 12, 1936, y and whichearlier-iiled applicationshowed a spe-A cifically different form ofcookingstove top structure having certain :features in common with thathere disclosed and as to which certain claims, vherein are generic.

It should be understood that a number of features of the cooking top andits elements disclosed but not claimed herein are described and claimedin various other of my copending applications for patent. In particular,the burner head per se, and which is of general utility irrespective ofits use with or without a cover structure, is described and claimed inmy copending application Serial No. 324,470, iiled March 18, 1940, andwhich is a continuation in part of this present application. The hearthor closure structure herein shown also constitutes per se asub-combination of the complete cooking top herein shown and is sodescribed `and claimed in my copending application Serial No. 326,883,filed March 30, 1940, and which character, is disclosed and claimedsuiiiciently broadly to include the present structure in my copendingapplication Serial No. 321,498, iiled February 29, 1940, and which is acontinuation in The feature herein shown, of locating the intakeadjustment mechanism for one or both of a pair of front and rear burnersfor access through one of the burner holes in the top panel, is alsoembodied in the specifically different top structure disclosed in mycopending application Serial No. 321,499, filed February 29, 1940, andis claimed therein, such application being a continuation in part of thepresent application.

I claim as my invention:

1. A cooking top structure for gas cookstoves comprising, incombination, aburner having a plurality of equidistantly `spaced radialarms shaped to form a plurality of outwardly facing arcuate sides, and acover structure for the burner having a plurality of radial portionsrespectively overlying said burner arms and intervening portions slopinggradually downward and inward toward the burner between said radialportions and coacting therewith to form a plurality of arcuate slots,said burner having fuel discharge means in said arcuate sides arrangedto project names outwardly above said intervening 'above said slopingsurfaces.-

three equidistanily spaced radial 'arms shaped `to form three outwardlyfacing arcuate-sides, -l

' and a cover structure for the burner having three radial portionsrespectively overlying said burner arms and intervening portions slopinggradually downward toward the burner between said radial P0tions andvcoacting therewithto form a vplurality of arcuate slots,saidburner'having fuel discharge means inisaid arcuate sides .arrangedto project llames outwardlyv above saidintervening v portions of thecover'structure, and utensil sup.-A

f ports carried by said-cover'structure and respectivelyv disposed abovesaid'radial' portions thereof.l

3. In-a "gasvcookstove, the combination of a star-shaped burnerv and acover structure com- -prising a central spider having arms overlying thefburner -and outer portions providingwide up- -v wadly facing heatreflecting surfaces slopingv gradually downward and inward toward 'thelburner between'said arms', the inner edge of said outer portionscoacting withl the side edges of said arms to: denne a p1ura1ityofs1ots,andsa1di burner having a fuel discharge outlet adapted to* projectflames-outwardly through said 'slots and '4;1In a gas cookstove thecombination of a burner having a. plurality of equidistantly'spaced'radial arms; and a combined heat intensier and ,cover 'qmprlsing aplurality of' arms directly l overlying the burner l arms but spacedtherefrom.'

and a peripheral shell externally ofthe burner and having inner 4edgeportions spaced downwardly from the sidev edges 'of the cover arms toform elongated slots, said-burner having fuel dis'- 'charge means forprojecting flames outwardly through said slots and-having a centralair;I passage for: supplying seoondary'air to 'the spaces between the.upper sides ofsaid burner arms and the lower sides of the ycover arms.

purposes. ,I v f7. In a gas cooks'tove the combination of va burnerhaving a plurality of equidistantly spaced -said radial vpassages andserving to connect the inner and outer fuel *dischargerports yforlighting radial farms,v and a cover structurelfor the burner 'vcomprising radial portions overlying the burner trally above saidradial' cover arms.

arms, said burner arms having fuel discharge lmeans forprojecting-flames laterally outward frombeneath the cover. arms, andradialutensil supporting* members 'respectively disposed cen- 8'. Inagas .coolxsiu'iveg thecombination of a `-lnain toppanel havingan-opening therein.- a top burner 'comprising a. burner head, 'and acombined heat intensifier and cover for thel burner 1. headoi refractorymaterial and comprising a cap' i directly overlying the burner head anda periph- Aeral shell surrounding the-burner-in `spacedrela- 3 utensil'spaced a short abovesaid cap.

tion thereto, and means for supporting a cooking said shell'having atopand" outer side facingof vitric materialv with 'fthe top facing'terminating at its periphery adjacent the edge oftheopening in the toppanel and coacting 'withltlie bottom of a utensil 'resting on' saidsupportingmeans to define a combustion chambe'rhaving an outlet at theperiphery of the shell opening voutwardly beneathl the utensil and ina'planeabove said. top

.30; panel, saidbu'rner fuel dischargemeans forproj'e'cting flamesoutwardly into said c'ombustion'v chamber with the tip portionsofztheflames confined between said Vvit'ric top facing of 'theshell andthebottom of the utensil. 'j

'-.9.A cooking top' foi-gas coolnstov'es compris#- ing, in combination,a main top paneihaving an openingthereim a burner disposed centrallybe-5. In a l'gas c ookstove the combination of a i burner having acentralopening'therethrough'for the. passage of secondary air andaplurality of equidistantly Vspace edradial armsI and a 'combined heatintensifier and cover comr'vrisiiig a plurality -ofarms'directlyoverlying theburner arms, a f. 'utensil supporting element disposedcentrally above each of said cover arms. Vand an peripheralupwardlyfacing shell extendingoutwardly from the burner vand -spac'edfrom 'thefcove'r arms t0 form elongatedslots, said burner having fueldischarge means forprojecting flames outwardly..

through said slots .and Asaid cover'arms coacting 'with the burnerarms-to provide horizontal passages communicating-with the central)opening in the burner for supplying air. to the upper sides of saidflames,4 thev flow of air through said passages beneath said cover arms'also servingv to cool such armsand the utensil seating Velements abovethe y6. In a gas cookstovethecombination o f a burner-havingequidistantlyspaced radial'arms.-

andA a cover structure comprisinga p'luraiityoi'I radial arms overlyingthe burner arms with the inner ends of said cover .arms cooperating'toform a central opening and to define passages extends ing radiallyoutward from said opening above'. said burner arms, said burner havinggacentral low said openingv and the perimeter of said opening beingspaced` laterally from 'such centrally disposed burner, said :burnerhaving fuel discharge means for projecting names laterally `outvward'toward the perimeter of said opening and upwardly'above v,the plane offsaid top panel, a

combined heatl intensifier and cover for the burner removably supportedVin said opening independently 'of said burner and substantially in theplane of the panel,'said 'cover being apertured for the :passagetherethrough-'of flames issuing frolnthe underlying burner and servingsubstantially to conceal the burner beneath it, and means x-'forsupportinga utensil with its bottom in closely spaced relation above theface of said cover, said cover being adapted. to cOact with thebottom of.the burner. r

.a cooking utensil on' saidsupporting means tol deilne a verticallyshallow chamber for the reception and close, confinement of theilames of'1 0. In a gas 'cookstove the' combination of a o burner havingapluralit'y' of radial arms. a Plurality of utensil supports disposedabove respec- Vtive vones oi' said burner arms y,and extendinglongitudinally along them, said burner arms having fuel discharge meansfor projectingv llames laterally away from ther utensil supportsvoverlying the burner arms from which the flames issue.

and .-'av refractory cover overlying'V and generally concealingthe-burner, said cover'beingapertured for thel issuance ofthe iiamesin'position to play upon the bottom of a utensil on said supports and.comprising arm'` portions interposed in thermal insulating relationbetween the burner arms and the respective overlying utensil supports.

11'. Iu'a gas eookstove,V the combination ofa vslots positionedtoproject flames .upwardly linto burner, a generally horizontal coveroverlying and substantially concealing said burner, utensil supportsprojecting radially inward from the periphery of the cover toward itscenter and presenting seating surfaces to support a utensil bottom in`closely spaced relation above said cover, said cover being aperturedfor the passage of flames from the burner into the space between theutensil and cover, and said burner having fuel emission means forprojecting llames. through` the cover aperture beneath the utensilbottom but in a direction generally laterally away from the utensilsupports to prevent direct flame implngement on the latter.

12. In a cooking top for a gaseous fuel cooking stove, the combinationof a burner head having a generally central opening therethrough for anupdraft of secondary air and having fuel emission apertures thereinlocated in segregated zones spaced peripherally about the head,asuperstructure including utensil supporting nger portions projectingradially of the head and lying above the portions of the latterintermediate said zones of fuel emission apertures to be out of thedirect `path of flames issuing from the latter, and said superstructurepresenting a bottom face closely spaced from and coacting with theburner head to define air passages leading outward from the secondaryair supply opening in the head to said fuel emission apertures, the flowof air through said passages serving also to cool said overlyingsuperstructure.

13. In a cooking top for a gaseous fuel cooking stove, the combinationof a burner head having a `generally central opening therethrough for anupdraft of secondary air, a plurality of fingers projecting radiallyinward above the head toward the central axis ofthe latter, said headhaving a plurality of fuel emission apertures therein disposed in zonesspaced peripherally about the head and intermediate said fingers so thatllames issuing from the same will not impinge directly on said lingers,said ngers presenting utensil seating ridges on their tops ex-l tendinggenerally longitudinally of the same, the

inner end portions of said fingers being splayedv laterally to overliethe head, and the adjacent surfaces of the head and lingers definingtherebetween air passages extending from the central opening in the headto the fuel emission apertures for the flow of secondary air throughsaid passages to flames issuing from said apertures and for the coolingof said fingers beneath which such flow of air passes.

14. In a gas cookstove, the combination of a top panel having an openingtherein, a burner below and centrally of said opening with fueldischarge means in its upper portion, and a, combined cover and utensilsupporting unit removably supported in said opening in the top panelsubstantially in the plane thereof and comprising a central sectionoverlying the burner so as to substantially conceal the same and pro-Ividing utensil seating surfaces disposed in a plane',

above the top panel, an outer section depressed relative to the centralsection and providing wide upwardly facing heat reflecting surfacesextend-l ing from said central section outwardly toward` the peripheryof the opening in the top panel,- and outlet means disposed between thetop faces of the central and outer sections at the outer and inner edgesthereof respectively for the escape of products of combustion outwardlybetween said outer section and the bottom of a utensil resting on saidseating surfaces.

15. A gas cookstove having. in combination.

means for supporting a cooking utensil with its bottom surface exposed,a burner having a plurality of radial arms with outlet means at oppositesides thereof for discharging gaseous fuel upwardly and laterally, saidfuel discharge means4 being positioned to cause the flames or `gaseswhile in process of combustion to play directlyupon the bottom surfaceof a utensil resting on said means, and a hearth located immediatelybeneath said utensil supporting means to define between the top surfaceof the hearth and the utensil bottom surface supported on said means avertically shallow combustionspace, said hearth comprising a generallyhorizontal wall overlying and substantially concealing the burner andhavling slots positioned at opposite sides of the burner arms for thepassage of such flames into the combustion space, and said slots being.only partially underlaid by the burner arms to permit an updraft ofsecondary air through the unclosed lower end portions of the slots toflames issuing from said burner outlet means.

16. A gas cookstove having, in combination, a burner having a pluralityof radial arms with outlet means at opposite sides thereof fordischarging gaseous lfuel upwardly and laterally beneath a cookingutensil supported above the burner, and a hearth positioned above theburner to define a combustion space between the top surface of thehearth and the utensil bottom surface, said hearth comprising arefractory disk overlying and substantially concealing the burner andhaving slots disposed above and at opposite sides of the burner arms forthe passage of burning gases intothe combustion space, said disk havinga plurality of utensil supporting ribs formed integral therewith anddisposed between said slots, and said slots being only partiallyunderlaid by the burner arms to permit an updraft of secondary airthrough the unclosed lower end portions of the slots to flamesissuingfrom said burner outlet means.

17. A gas cookstove having, in combination, means for supporting acooking utensil with its bottom surface exposed, a burner having aplurality of radial arms with outlet means at opposite sides thereof fordischarging gaseous fuel upwardly and laterally beneath a utensil sosupported, and a `hearth located immediately beneath saidutensil-supporting means to define a combustion space between the topsurface of the hearth and the utensil bottom surface supported on saidmeans, said hearth comprising a substantially flat refractory diskoverlying and substantially concealing the burner, and a metalliccarrier supporting said disk, said disk having a plurality of radialslots disposed at opposite sides of the burner arms for the passage ofburning gases into the combustion space and said utensil-supportingmeans comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced ribs rigid withsaid carrier and a plurality, of ribs formed integral with the diskbetween said slots and disposed in substantially radial alinement withthe ribs on the carrier. y

18. A gaseous fuel cookstove comprising, in combination, a heatradiating burner top structure presenting a top surface, a gaseous fuelburner head located below said top structure and including a centralsection of ports distributed over only a small area in la horizontalplane and a. second section of ports disposed laterally of said centralsection and directed laterally as well as upwardly, means forsupportingv utensils having .bottoms of widely different areas in vclosely spaced relation above. said topi structure.

saidtop structurehaving a generally centrally utensil, and said topstructure also having aper v i tures therein located somewhat laterallyof said I second port section Iandliounded by a substan- 10 l confinedin eilective heat exchange relation with.

tially imperforate-marsinalportion of said-:top

` structure presenting atopsurface of 'substantial lateralv width sothat -hot gases from said vsecond section. of portsrare spread laterallyvbeneath the bottom'of even a.. large utensil whiiebeing the utensilinthe space between said marginal portion ot'said bottom. .1 t

CLAUDE E..-PARKER.

top structure and the utensil

